Tenor sax from Music123

[retiredmilitary]

I bought a tenor sax from music 123, aprox. 4 months ago, for the most part it's not a bad sax, the "D" is very stuffy, I've opened the "C" key a bit that helped. I have been playing the "D" with the palm "D" key open that really helped. When playing the horn when I really push air through it, it doesn't take much to over blow it seems as though the reed is closing up on me, I'm using a otto link STM 5* with a #4 Rico grand concert select, Would a different neck, make it a bit more free blowing? I mean be able to push more air through the horn? The pads on it I feel are pretty stiff, meaning I feel they should have more padding on them, when playing, if my fingers come off the keys just a hair you know it, I know you get what you pay for but i'm not ready to put out the money for a really nice horn, I will but not just yet. Sorry if i'm rambling but these are the questions that have been going through my mind.

Thanks

[Thomas]

It might be time to consider moving to a larger tip opening/softer reed combination. Try a Link STM 6* or 7* with a 2.5 or 3 reed

[Joe Jazz]

I second the motion on the softer reed. I used to have that problem on my Yamaha YTS-62, switched to a softer reed and that took care of it. Best of luck to you....

[Thomas]

the squealing might be due to just lack of time with the new piece. Since it's slightly larger your embrocure will strengthen and adapt with practice-also fool around with reed placement to the tip and ligature placement-towards the tip =brighter, towards the shank=darker. try some Superial or Superial DC's in a 2.5 strength-try balancing the reed. Also there's the possibility that the mpc could have some flaws in the table ,tip or rails.